Cranberry Tariffs May Pose Risks To Wisconsin's Largest Fruit Crop

This week, China announced yet another set of tariffs targeting U.S. goods. This is just the latest move in what some are calling a trade war, sparked by the United State’s decision to set tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum.

Last week, the Chinese government announced tariffs on more than 100 other U.S. products - including a 15% tariff on cranberries. That move could have a tremendous impact on the economy here as it’s estimated that Wisconsin produces more than half the world’s supply of cranberries. Foreign markets have accounted for much of the industry’s growth over the past decade.

Tom Lochner is the executive director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, an organization which works supports local cranberry producers through education, environmental stewardship, and governmental policies. He discusses the potential impact of the tariffs set by China, and the potential for more tariffs from the EU and the possible renegotiation of NAFTA.

China is retaliating against the Trump administration's tariffs on Chinese goods, imposing charges of its own Monday on a list of 128 imports from the United States, including agricultural products ranging from fruit to wine to frozen pork.

China's tariffs add fuel to what many economists fear is a burgeoning trade war between the two economic superpowers.

President Trump ordered steep tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from every country except Canada and Mexico. It's the boldest move to date for the president who campaigned on a protectionist platform that is sharply at odds with Republicans' free trade orthodoxy.

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